§ Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to be able to make his first decisions about the applications by schools to opt out under the Education Reform Act 1988.
§ Mr. Butcher[holding answer 23 January 1989]: The first schools have now published proposes for grant-maintained status, and a number of others are preparing to do so. My right hon. Friend will determine such proposals as quickly as the statutory procedures and his consideration of all the relevant factors permit.